by Collaboration Between Stellantis and Avathor in Battery Utilization
Stellantis supplies refurbished batteries from electric vehicles to power the compact Avathor One electric car, developed by Italdesign, which belongs to the Volkswagen Group. The reconfigured modules provide a range of up to 50 km between charges.
New Life for Old Batteries
The search for new applications for used batteries is becoming increasingly relevant in the automotive industry. Stellantis has found a way to use them beyond traditional cars, including for mobility aids for people with disabilities.
One of the most interesting examples is the collaboration with the startup Avathor, which developed a compact electric vehicle specifically designed for wheelchair users. This vehicle was designed by Italdesign, which adds a special twist to this story.
From Road to Refurbishment
The process begins with the collection of batteries from decommissioned Stellantis brand electric vehicles. The batteries are sent to Turin, where SUSTAINera, Stellantis’s circular economy unit, works on extending their useful life and reducing waste. The local partner Intent S.r.l. disassembles the 15 kWh modules and repackages them for new use.
For the Avathor One, the modules are reconfigured into short-range 1.4 kWh or long-range 2.8 kWh batteries, providing a range of up to 50 km between charges with a maximum speed limited to 10 km/h.
What is the Avathor One?
The Avathor One was introduced earlier this year as a production model, derived from the futuristic 2019 WheeM-i concept by Italdesign. It features a rear ramp for wheelchair access, a retractable bench, and a joystick for control.
With a length of just 1486 mm, the electric vehicle is equipped with automotive features such as LED headlights, a rearview camera, and collision avoidance sensors that detect obstacles and pedestrians. It can handle slopes of up to 20 percent and steps up to 8 cm high.
According to the company, the goal is to launch Avathor in Italy by the end of this year, followed by Spain in 2026 and other markets in 2027.
Beyond Mobility Aids
In addition to the Avathor project, Stellantis SUSTAINera also collaborates with utility companies and battery integrators. A notable example is the ENEL X Pioneer system, which stores renewable energy at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport and is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 16,000 tons over ten years.
Of course, Stellantis is not the only automaker active in the circular economy with second-life batteries. Brands such as Nissan, Renault, BMW, Kia, Geely, Jaguar, Toyota, Honda, Skoda, and Audi are also involved in similar projects.
This initiative demonstrates how technological innovation can be combined with social responsibility, offering practical solutions to reduce environmental impact and improve quality of life. The use of refurbished batteries in specialized vehicles opens up new opportunities for sustainable development and inclusivity in society.
